IT was just like old times at Ascot on Saturday as Ruby Walsh completed a stylish treble, the middle leg of which came on Paul Nicholls’ Al Ferof in the Grade 2 Amlin 1965 Chase.

However, the most impressive scorer was Willie Mullins’ Faugheen, who made all at 4/1 on in the Grade 2 Coral Hurdle and skipped home nearly four lengths ahead of Blue Fashion with Lac Fontana third. Winner of the Neptune Investments at the NH Festival, unbeaten in seven outings under Rules and a point-to-point, the six-year-old heads the Champion Hurdle market at a general 9/4. He jumped well, found plenty when Walsh asked him, seems to handle any ground and stays well beyond this near-two and a half mile trip whilst having easily enough speed for two.